THE SECOND RULE

+

Hearing Aaron on board and coming up with a game plan for the day made Gisele beam with excitement as she remained intrigued at what he was proposing. “Ah, that’s definitely the best of both worlds.” He knew how much of a weakness food was for her and the fact that she would be relaxing in the hot tub with him and some dessert? It sounded perfect. “Awww baby…” she cooed out playfully. “Maybe just a little.” Gigi then arched her brow as she was amused at the thought of actually being domestic, “Mmm, you’re thinking ahead and glad we can agree that you are a lucky man for having me.” She was partially teasing, but definitely the thought of them being more domestic than usual was nice. It gave Gigi a sense of normalcy for once without having to watch over her shoulders. They could take their time and bask in each other’s company.

Relaxing on his lap, she remained patient as she waited on his response. It was a heavy loaded question and so she didn’t want to rush him, let alone pressure Aaron into talking about it. If he wanted to drop the subject, then they could and continue to go about their day. Snapping out of her thoughts, the dancer felt his lips and softened her gaze at the act of affection. “I see…” The dancer snaked her arms around his neck and gently massaged the back of his head, running her fingers through his hair to calm him down. “That’s fair and true…it is a good sign that you haven’t reached that peak yet…” She hummed softly, as she tilted her head to give him further access onto her neck before leaning her forehead against his. “Babe, there’s nothing wrong with giving this much of a shit, especially when you were conditioned to believe Julianna was your daughter.” Pulling away she dropped her hands onto her lap and continued, “There’s a lot to think about, let alone figure out. However, I believe whatever choice you make, you have your reasons and I’ll support you every step of the way.” Shaking her head, she wanted to relieve as much stress as possible, “You don’t have to figure it out now. You deserve this break and you should take this time to self-reflect and ease up…We can leave this topic for next time.”  

...

There was a bit of a side eye at play at her remark for a second followed by a nod before veering his sight to the woods with an offhanded shrug and a sniff. “ ...Well, as long as you’re not sick of this schmuck. ” True, he laid it on thick, but what else was new? In his usual fashion, a small crinkle of his eyes then rippled at the corners when he gave her a once-over with a hint of a smirk, continuing to chew his gum. “ —That’s a good thing, I guess, ” he adds, lazily rolling his head back to give her his undivided attention. And he believed those words despite the 'I guess’ slapped at the end. It was more of a punctuation, really. Because at the end of the day, before Gisele, he hadn’t been on the same wavelength with someone for the longest time, and he missed it. Definitely so. Moving his arms to rest along the backrest of the wooden swing, he watched with a quirked brow and listened as his significant other boasted about her role in his life in the frivolous manner she did. Happy to see, it put a smile to his face - not that it’d ever really gone anywhere by this point, yet it was still worth noting considering how carefree she was to be able to be cheeky about her worth when he was the usual culprit of this scene by inflating his own ego. A sort of fake it till you make it since the burdens they held in this relationship when they decided to move forward together were no secret. He hums, “ I see I’ve rubbed off on you, haven’t I Ms. Ramirez? ”

There tended to be a solace found in the dancer’s touch, the closest thing he could grasp at comfort these days. Before his sudden disappearance a few weeks ago, he didn’t realize how much he craved for it, so he embraced what he could as he burrowed closer to the crevice on her neck, sprinkling in gentle bites. “ Mm, ” was his sole response to her before prying his lips away from the softness of her skin when her forehead rested on his. A part of him knew what she was saying was true. It was a sensible thing to say. There wasn’t anything wrong with caring this much, but why did it feel so wrong to? Why did it feel like he was betraying Julianna for just doing so? There was no escaping this guilt. There were a lot of eyes on him, silently judging him for what he will or won’t do, and without knowing the results, he still stood at an impasse. He felt the judgement in the air in the place he’d least want it to come from: his family. And yet, he expected it. It affected them as well. In spite of all that , he found a safe haven in Gisele. The irony - all things considered. It came easy to believe she supported him. And she’d shown it too. He had no reason to doubt her, but he really didn’t feel like he deserved a break. It was ingrained in him in his service. A curse? A gift? He didn’t know. He stopped trying to figure out what it was a while ago. It was apart of him now, but being reminded by the woman who cared for him that was okay to let this be for now, it left him sitting with it for a moment. “ ...Did I... ” he stood, carrying her up with him only to sit her down on the wooden railing, and moved his hands to cup her face and neck before continuing with a husk, “ ever mention to you that I love you? ” Pressing his lips to hers, he seized the moment to try to remember why they were in this cabin in the first place. It was for a break. A time to enjoy. So? That was that, right?

...

Nope. Now that they were on this topic, he had to get something out that’d been on his mind. A thought he’d been too scared to utter into the world in fear of the judgement he’d been trying to escape and the answer he might get. But, there was something about today, something in the air, that didn’t let him shake it off like he usually would. “ Baby, ” he started just as he parted lips from her, feeling that same old looming presence over his shoulder again. He started to tense up. So much so, he had to take the gum out his mouth and put it in the wrapper it came from only to replace it with the toothpick that’d been sitting in pocket. Another oral fixation. “ Fuck...alright...okay, ” he breathed in an attempt to hype himself up. Now, where to begin? That was the real question. “ ...Baby, I know you told me you’ll do what you can to protect me and Julianna if your father finds out about us...Remember that? ” While he managed to get that far without his voice wavering, he struggled to find his next words and started stroking her thighs for his footing. “ As far as I know, the cartel doesn’t have a moral code of ethics on children, ” he continues, having read news stories of children being caught in the crossfire down in Mexico. He never really asked Gisele on the details of how her father ran his to avoid putting her in that position. She didn’t run away for nothing, but due to her ties, he knew she held certain privileges. Certain punishments, one could say. “ Gisele, baby...if I’m not her father — ” he says, trying to imply what he could not ask her. Now there was a shake to his voice. “ If you can’t protect me...and if I’m not...Bubba’s biological father, ” Just spit it out. Shit! “ —Do you think they’ll still go after her? ”

+

The comfort she felt by just being with Aaron was enough for her to enjoy their time off together. To her, it didn’t matter what they did. Whether they were lounging around like right now or out and about, she appreciated the quality time that they had as they were normally busy bees going about their day and hustling. Squinting slightly, she wondered if he had this all planned as it felt so effortless to have their time planned out here. “Mmm, you’re so sweet. I accept the date.” she cooed while squeezing his sides with her side hug and returning the peck on his lips. Shaking her head with a sigh, she flashed him a knowing look and said, “Ummmm, let’s see…they recently crossed the border, won’t be back for a couple of weeks. So with such impeccable timing, let’s take advantage of it, yeah?” She paused and thought about his other suggestion, a sly smirk creeping onto her lips. “You, me, hot tub…I see the appeal.” she mused with her head tilted. “I’m down for either or.” 

With a blissful sigh, the dancer rolled her eyes and muttered, “Yet, mi amor. You didn’t say anything, yet.” Knowing him all too well that Aaron was bound to make the comment any second now and so she braced herself. Gisele noticed his smirk, but appreciated his affection all throughout their conversation. Sitting up, she tilted her head and said, “Really? I mean I guess that makes sense. You have no choice, but to solo this with me…Lucky you.” She then straddled his lap and cupped his cheeks as he took a good look at him, “How have you been feeling lately? Or is now not the time to discuss it?”

...

Aaron caught a glimpse of her suspicion, of which she made no attempt at hiding, and met it with a smile. Of course, it didn’t help his case, but after years of having to think on his feet, it was a skill he learned execute seamlessly. At least when he was of a sound mind. Then, he had a habit of acting on impulse. Listening to the whereabouts of her family, he nodded along right to the question she left to him. “Okay, why not?” he answered in a practical fashion despite his relief in the matter and reworked his initial proposal after seeing her intrigue. “How about,” his chin went to rest on the top of her head, “we have dinner at the restaurant and we take a little something sweet back here?” Dessert seemed like the better option anyway to indulge with her in a hot tub. A huffing laugh then made it past his lips when she corrected him, and he turned to look at her, “Ouch. Twist the knife there, honey....Am I that predictable?” He bantered with softness to his smile and gaze. Loosening his hold on her while she adjusted herself, he gave a shrug, “Well, I thought it was about time we played house,” as if them having to keep their entire relationship under wraps between each other’s roof wasn’t domestic enough. “Lu·cky me,” he emphasis with a nod.

As she helped herself to his lap, he leaned back on the seat to tuck his hands under the curve of her thighs and inch her closer, more than enjoying the sight in front of him for a second before his gaze fell at the question. The only other presence of his discomfort: he stopped chewing his gum. He had to sit and think about Gisele’s words for a minute. Despite all they’ve seen of each other through, Julianna had always been an interesting topic between the two, even before all of this. While it was true that his little one was easier to talk about with Gisele given the state of affairs, it didn’t make the situation any easier to communicate. All in all, he’d been trying to make peace with his fear. Hope for the best, expect the worst. It was one of the many mantras the boxer tried to live by, but this situation in specific had a different hold on him.

With as much affection as he could muster, he leaned over to place a chaste kiss over the dancer’s heart. Never did he want for the Latina to take how he felt personal. In fact, he tried to go out of his way to differentiate how he felt with her and how he felt in general by these small actions because he didn’t want her feeling like she wasn’t enough. Or as if she needed to save him; something he didn’t do when he was a husband to another. Even if Gisele was a counselor in her own right, what they shared was a relationship. At its core, a give and take. “Like complete shit,” he breathed in a soft, wry laugh before he picked up where he left off with his gum. Relapsing just added to the stress of things. “...I haven’t dyed my hair yet, so I’d say that’s a good sign...” he remarked, leaning over to leave a trail of kisses down her neck, but after a brief silence, he leaned back with a sigh to look at her again. He knew better than to take her concern and turn it into some joke about some mid-life crisis, even if he did feel like he was in limbo. “...You want honesty?” he licked his lips in thought. “—-I can’t tell if I want this crap to be over and done with or not, you know?...I didn’t think I’d give this much of a shit.” It forced him to do some introspection. After all, he still planned to be in his Bubba’s life after his talk with Nia no matter the results. The love he had for Jules by this point wasn’t something he could shake off, so why was this so difficult? The deception, perhaps? What else did he have to lose?

+

Stagnant. 

It was the word to describe how Gisele felt so far with how things were going with Aaron. The situation he’s currently facing with Nia and Julianna still loomed over him, but he was still persevering in his day to day with the dancer by his side. All she could offer was support, even if it meant being there in silence. With each day that passes by, she could only hope that her presence can offer any sort of relief and aid when it comes to his troubled thoughts. 

It was why she was on board when it came to taking some time away from the hustle and bustle of their busy lives and heading out to a cabin that Aaron had recommended. Currently laying her head on Aaron’s shoulder as they sat by the porch swing, Gisele was observing their surroundings and taking in the fresh air around them. It was definitely a nice change of scenery and a great way to reset from their lives in Olympus. Green hues averted in the direction of the brochure that was in her boyfriend’s hands as she read the restaurant that was around the area. “Really?” she replied with intrigue. “You want to check it out during our time here?” 

Sitting up, she stretched before leaning in and wrapping her arms around his waist. “This is a really cute cabin by the way. I’ve never done this type of outing before…” Truthfully, she was more of a city girl or at least where there’s a heavily populated area. It was a preference, but she was open to new experiences such as this and she had to admit it was quite tranquil so far. Looking up at Aaron, Gigi rolled her eyes and said, “Before you judge me love, I just haven’t…you know…got into it. But now I have youuuu!~” 

...

While the Stone’s hand rested on her thigh, he thought over visiting said restaurant as his thumb idly stroked along her skin. In one sense, a mere habit he’d developed from all the drives to the city they’ve shared. In another, a subtle source of solace he found. Breaking from the brochure at hand, his gaze fell to the lounging dancer beside him to say, “Well, I thought you’d never ask.” If there was one thing he still had going for him, it was his sense of humor. Albeit, drier than usual, but he tried keeping on a light note despite being no stranger to black comedy. It got him through rough times before. This was no different. “Consider it my treat,” he tells her, chucking her under the chin only to follow it up with a soft, lingering peck to her lips. Still, there was that nagging feeling he couldn’t quite shake off. “...Unless you happen to know of a guest star appearance around these parts...” he remarked, looking to her with a brow raised. Even if Olympus was at a distance, he couldn’t be too careful considering the reach the cartel had, but no, that didn’t seem what was causing that unease within him. “Then, we’ll do takeout. Maybe break in the hot tub.”

When she adjusted herself to lean more into him, he lifted his arm over her to wrap around her shoulders in an embrace and looked out into the woods, reaching up to begin caressing the top of her head with the tips of his fingers. So this was all new to her. Had he been in a better state of mind, he would’ve pulled out a Ricky line right out I Love Lucy about her having some ‘splaining to do with this information, but all he gave a simple ‘hm’ as he continued the circular motions on her head until she looked up at him. He hadn’t done much smiling lately. Sure, he had his moments, but if there was someone who was able to fish one out of him, it was Gisele. And she did when she called out exactly what was on his mind. “I didn’t say anything, dear,” he mentions with a bit of a smirk and a kiss to her temple, letting his arm drape over her shoulder again. Summer camp was what really drew him to the wilderness along with his training at Camp Gonsalves, so he was bias. “You could’ve fooled me. You're a natural out here.” A beat passed just as his phone vibrated from an email notification that he couldn’t bother checking at this second. “To tell you the truth, I haven’t done this kind of thing without a full house in a long time...It’s nice.” More than nice. The fact that they could be out on the front porch of a home setting felt right. So right.

For once, though, he actually spoke of these dreadful thoughts, almost as if preparing himself. Always at night, always to Gisele, and always in mumble. He never intended to keep her up. Those nights sort of just happened, so he wanted to make it up to her for those late night conversations they had when they had to wake up early in the mornings for work. It was time for a hike. Anything to get his mind off the fact that any day now the results of the paternity test will be readily available and a click away. Aaron even rented out a cabin isolated from prying eyes beforehand. A cabin his family liked to rent during these close to home trips, so there he was, chewing sugar-free gum to give his mouth something to do as he sat on the porch swing. “That’s new,” he croaked, seeing a restaurant that hadn’t been there the year before in the brochure.

+

A faint smile crept onto Gisele’s lips after Aaron had expressed his gratitude. “Anytime.” she murmured against his skin as she gave a light kiss to his temple. Seeing that he’s been receptive to her method of comfort was enough for the dancer and that reassurance that they both needed was slowly making its presence to them. She considered this progress and as long as Aaron wasn’t pushing her away, she was willing to be patient with him and offer as much support as she can. Her gaze immediately softened on cue once she learned that he wanted her to accompany him when confronting Nia. “Of course.” she confirmed. “Whatever makes you comfortable, I’ll be there—always.” 

Gisele observed him in silence, seeing if she had piqued his interest in moving from their current spot. If he didn’t want to move, she would have been okay with that and stayed until he was ready. There was no way she was going to leave him alone, not under these conditions and his current mindset. Suddenly, her ears perked up after hearing him respond and mention Spot. “He misses you too…” she mused with a light chuckle. Squishing his cheeks lightly, she peppered kisses all throughout his face before meeting his lips and eventually pulled away to nod in agreement to his inquiry. “Perfect and yes, I still need to go down your list of instant classics that you’ve recommended.” Aaron was more of a film buff than her and if anything, this would be a great distraction to keep his thoughts at bay. 

Helping him up from where they sat, Gisele took a good look at him and began dusting him off. She couldn’t help it, the dancer cared deeply for him. “Alright, all ready to go?” she asked while wrapping her arms around him. She then rested her cheek on his chest and glanced up, showing nothing but adoration and if anything a hint of proudness given that he was back on his feet. 

...

The boxer didn’t want to put the dancer in a more uncomfortable position than he already had, but had he been looking at her instead of the gravel beneath them, he would’ve seen how him even asking her to wait in the car brought her some semblance of peace. It was an improvement to having been off the radar since the news broke, after all. "Okay...” He breathed out, trying to come to terms with the idea confronting Nia. Gisele wouldn’t be far behind. He could do this. "Okay, yeah.” Maybe. Hopefully. No, he had to.

Well, he did something right today. He made her chuckle. It wasn’t the loudest nor strongest of ones, but even without meaning to, he did. And, boy, did he miss the sound of it after how bleak everything had been sounding lately, but what pressed a smallest of smiles to his lips was her onslaught of kisses despite his tired eyes. He tried to wallow in them, but it wasn’t long before a sigh emitted from his chest after being reminded of the way Julianna tended to grab at his face. It was only after her lips met his when he tried to swallow his emotions behind a tight lipped smile, and he leaned in to reciprocate the peck, knowing she was trying. “You know, the plan was to wait for Halloween to watch Ghostbusters with you, but uh...I’m going to go ahead and bump it up.” He just needed to watch a wholesome fun movie that wasn’t centered around a family, and it was the first movie he thought of. He didn’t want to do more thinking than that.

With her help, he was on feet. He saw the way she looked at him, and he couldn’t hold his gaze - still feeling ashamed of everything that’d transpired. He then shoved his hands in pockets when she started to dust him off, and he fiddled with the box of cigarettes sitting there. He wanted nothing more than to hand them over to her, but he couldn’t. Instead, he pulled his hands out to wrap his arms around Gisele’s shoulders when she pulled him in. His eyes looked back at her again when she spoke and saw her this time - really saw her - as he brushed back her loose strands of hair away from her face. Through thick and thin. Oh, how he loved this woman. “...Ready...”

+

Gisele’s heart ached in her chest as she caressed Aaron’s cheek and sat closely with him. She was trying to maintain any sort of comfort for the time being as they talked this out. It was difficult seeing him hopeless and it didn’t help that on her end, she felt helpless. She didn’t know how else she could help him other than giving words of encouragement, as well as offering her presence and just being completely there for him. The pain and dark thoughts were inevitable and she knew it wouldn’t be an easy journey for him to overcome this. “I’m s-sorry…” she blurted out. “I wish…I…” Her voice trailed off as she attempted to think of an appropriate response, but she was at a dead end. “Life is complicated, that’s already a given. I want you to know that you’re not going to go through all this alone. I’m with you every step of the way, the good, the bad and the ugly…I know I can’t do much, but I won’t let you bare this on your own…” This was the best that Gisele could do and she hoped it would be more than enough for Aaron to keep going. 

His concerns were valid, in fact the questions he asked were alarming and certainly a good point. “We don’t know that yet.” she replied. “But I don’t want us to jump into conclusions either…Look, Nia needs to tell the truth. From there, we’ll deal with it…Together.” Gisele didn’t want to get in between them, but at the same time, Aaron shouldn’t be the one questioning everything on his own. His ex had a part to play and should be transparent about all this. Running a hand through his hair, the dancer kissed the side of his head as she allowed him to express himself. His vulnerability spoke in volumes and all she could do is hold onto him like her life depended on it. “It’s okay…It’s okay if you can’t…I know…I got you…” Whispers of reassurance was all she could give and push for. 

Gigi still kept Aaron close and nodded, “Alright then, she’s still in your life—she’s still your little girl.” she repeated for confirmation. She then sat there in silence as her mind wandered off, staring aimlessly at the ground in front of them. Although she was also a therapist, one would think she’d be capable of providing coping mechanisms. However, this hurt close to home as it was her own boyfriend that was suffering through the cold hard truth. While it may seem like a conflict of interest, Gisele really had nothing to work with here other than offering her company. At this rate, the next move falls on Aaron. “Babe…” she suddenly called out. “Let’s go home…We can take a relaxing warm bath and all the cuddles after. Tomorrow’s a new day, we can think of your next move when you’re well rested.” 

...

It was a hard thing to grasp. There was already enough on all their plates without this to top it, but he supposed he wasn’t meant to have the conventional family he thought he’d have when he was young and naive. And yet, he wouldn’t trade it in for what he did have. All of it. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Under different circumstances, these words the dancer had told him would’ve brought a smile to his face. It might’ve even had him making some snarky dad-joke, asking her if it had to be in that order, but right now, it’s all he had to latch onto.  To lean on her was what he could count on because the fight in him to swallow every emotion down could only drag on for so long, especially if it involved Julianna. Ever since he knew about her existence, he dedicated his whole life to that little girl. There wasn’t much anyone could do to keep him from sinking...except Julianna wasn’t the only one who had his heart anymore. He did have more to lose. Even if it might’ve seemed as if he was self-destructing by going M.I.A, it seemed his subconscious wouldn’t fully let him because he couldn’t lose Gisele in this process. It’s why he didn’t move an inch when she caught him. “I know, baby,” he hushed, seeing her trying to soothe him and hearing her struggling. It hurt. Then, a few beats passed before a barely audible ‘thank you’ left his lips.

The mention of Nia needing to tell him the truth left him with a sick feeling in the pit of stomach. The thought of even going back to confront her about clearing up the timeline sparked the urge to light another smoke, but he knew he had to do it. While it was true Gisele couldn’t physically be there due to the other obstacles they faced as a couple, he asked one thing of her in a quiet mumble, “Will you, uh...wait in the car for me when I do?” Since he couldn’t pull his strength from the usual source he did, he had to pull it from her. He didn’t even realize how touched starved he’d been the past couple days until now when he was wrapped securely in her embrace. Such a human thing he didn’t think he needed. He thought he was the exception, and yet, here he was.

She’s still your little girl. The words kept playing in his head over and over, but they were much softer than the words Nia hurled at him that day, no matter how many times he replayed them. And it was in this noise, this back and forth, that he sat with in the silence until Gisele’s call to him broke the echoes. “Mm?” ...Home. Home sounded good. He wanted to sleep. He’d been holding all these thoughts in these past days that they took their toll now all his conflicted feelings were out, but they weren’t resolved...they won’t be resolved until a few days. So he was still tense, and the guilt of having been smoking settled in. He was back to zero days of being smoke-free. He needed to clean up more ways than one, and it was this thought that drove him to picking at his skin. “Mm, I miss Spot...” It was first the thing that came to mind before he brought himself to look at her. “I like the sound of that.” The fact that he really couldn’t find it in himself to make any jokes at all about leaving him in the tub if he knocked out went to show the gravity of the situation, but seeing her try to end the day on a good note, he asked, “...How does a movie sound too?” Anything to drown out the noise in his head if he wanted to get any sleep.

+

Seeing Aaron helplessly fall to the ground, Gisele followed by sitting next to him and leaving room for space between them. He needed a breather and so, she wanted to ensure that she wasn’t taking up space to cloud his judgement. The severity of the situation was grave, yes, but the outcome of it was still being determined. From her understanding, there was no way Nia would turn her back on Aaron and no longer allow Julianna in his life. He raised her and cared for her as his own daughter. Regardless of the DNA test, what mattered was their already established relationship. The details can be discussed, but it didn’t make them whole. They were already a father-daughter duo and a part of Julianna’s upbringing was all thanks to him. Why would she ruin that for their child? 

Again, Gisele’s blood boiled as she sat there in silence. The last thing she wanted to do was think of the worse when it came to Aaron’s ex-wife. It was not her place to make judgment when she only knew one side. Therefore, she chose to approach all this from a neutral perspective. “So isn’t that all that matters?” Gigi softly replied back. “As cliché as this sounds, love truly conquers all…I wouldn’t look past that if I were you.” She then paused and allowed her boyfriend to express his frustrations. Sometimes, it was best to simply listen and allow the other to let it all out. Their feelings were valid after all. “Alright, you booked it. There’s no going back on it now.” He needed to accept that aspect of his current situation. They needed to know, especially Julianna for when she’s older. She had the right, but who knows how this news will get relayed to her. It was still too early in the game.

Shaking her head, she frowned at Aaron’s words. “First of all, you’re not stupid.” she deadpanned as her gaze turned serious. “Look it was a two way fucking street babe. If she decided to play it safe, then she needs to own up to that outcome…Regardless of who the other man may be, the main focus should be Julianna.” Seeing Aaron breakdown, Gisele immediately moved in and wrapped her arms around him, keeping him close and planting soft kisses on his temples and on the tops of his head. “You won’t lose her…” This time her tone was far more gentler with a hint of reassurance. “Mi amor, you can’t just jump so many steps ahead and assume the worst. I don’t know what it’s like to have a child, but I see how much she means to you and I know you wouldn’t give up that easily on her.” 

The dancer glanced down to meet his gaze and wore a wry smile, knowing this was difficult enough as is and that there was no use in sugarcoating it. “You booked the test, you take it and you get those results. At the end of the day, whether she is yours or not, doesn’t change the fact that you love her and vice versa. She’s your daughter and you’re her father, that shouldn’t change.” She paused and locked her gaze on him, searching for the truth. “Babe, would the results really matter? If she’s not yours, wouldn’t you still be in her life after all these years? Nia wouldn’t dare cut that between the two of you? That’s psychologically damaging to the child if not executed properly.” 

...

True love conquers all. Idealist at best, but even after all he’s been through, he liked to believe it did. He hoped at least. There was nothing that would strip him away of his love for his daughter, but that was just it, wasn’t it? It’s what made this all more complicated to process for Aaron because if she wasn’t his biologically - it meant she had a dad out there. It hurt to hear she wasn’t his from Nia the first time, so to imagine he’d have that hanging over his head whenever they’d get into an argument, almost anticipating it, it was gut-wrenching. Or worse, it’d get thrown in his face by Julianna if something really bad were to happen down the line. “I don’t know, baby,” he answered in the most honest way he could at the moment, croaking. After all, he knew first hand about falling out of love with someone. Not that he could see himself do that with Jules. He was in too deep, but he feared she’d see him differently. “Why is everything so fucking complicated?” This is where always planning ahead for every outcome he could foresee became his downfall, but it’d been ingrained in him during his military days. What else could he do but prepare for the worst and hope for the best? Like she had said, there was no going back now. It was for the best. He had to believe that, and he did despite the motions.

“I am,” he huffed out despite her gentle words in his ears. There was nothing anyone could say or do to make him feel otherwise. “Yeah, I know...I know, but—What if the cat’s in the MC?...What am I going to do then?” Going by the wavering of his voice and the questions proposed, he wanted to keep Jules to himself, trying to find reasons to. It was selfish of him, but he wanted to be. Although, it didn’t feel as good as when he took the next step with Gisele because he knew better. He didn’t want Jules to go through the same motions he was going through because he kept her from the truth if things went south. He buried his face in both of his hands when he suddenly felt the warm embrace of Gisele, and it was in that moment, he could keep it in anymore. He hated feeling weak, but he couldn’t stop the tears rolling down his cheeks. At least he kept his face hidden. It hid his shame in all this. “I can’t,” he repeated once more, and he couldn’t lose Gisele either. He supposed all this anger, fear, and sadness was a mix up of everything that’d been happening. “I can’t switch it off,” he voiced, though muffled because of his hands. These negative thoughts were all consuming. “I don’t know how to...I’m tired...” It was always a battlefield in his mind. If it wasn’t one thing, it was another. He just wanted some peace, but for now, he leaned into the only source of comfort he had: her touch.

It was nice to hear someone outside of this whole situation was reaffirming his beliefs, but it just didn’t do it. No matter how much he knew Gisele meant what she said, he himself wasn’t stable in own thoughts - even if he knew he’d follow Julianna to the ends of the earth. It was all a blur. He wasn’t thinking straight because of all the emotions coursing through his veins. A couple days might’ve passed since the news broke, but the wound still felt so fresh. He couldn’t help but give a reflex answer when he was asked if the results really matter. “Yeah. —No,” he sighed. “I don’t know.” It wasn’t as if he planned on adopting. Hell, he didn’t even plan on having kids before Julianna was conceived, but here he was, being tribal about this. Was it important? “...I’d still be in her life. She’s my girl.” And he almost laughed at the idea of something being psychologically damaging to a child because that’s all he could do. Laugh when he felt terrible about himself as it was. As if the fact that Jules had two different households didn’t eat away at him every night already.

+

The last thing Gisele wanted was an apology from Aaron, especially when he had no control over the situation both mentally and emotionally. While she would have preferred a heads up that he would ghost her, it wasn’t his true intentions to keep her in the dark. It was evident that he was going through a lot and she knew what she signed up for when she chose to be in a relationship with him. They had this discussion before, so she should have known. “It’s alright…” she whispered back with an understanding nod. “Okay…Take a breather, don’t let it overwhelm you all at once…” This time she held onto both his hands and gave them a light squeeze in hopes of grounding him into this moment. As much as she didn’t want him to go into a panic, she knew that at any given moment it could occur and that she needed to be prepared for that. 

“Mhm…You found a place…” she repeated. Gigi’s heart sank, it shouldn’t have to come to this, but she knew the importance of having to get to the bottom of this. Aaron needed the truth, but more importantly Julianna too. At the end of the day, the child mattered more in this situation and the fact that Nia had taken all these years to keep it hidden to the both of them? A part of Gisele was angered by the thought of her dishonesty, but a part of her also wanted to understand why she would do such a thing. Did she have a reasonable explanation? Or was she hiding such infidelity from Aaron? It wasn’t her business to know what went down between them, but she wanted the truth for the sake of boyfriend. His involvement with her child took up a good part of his life, so he deserved the truth overall. 

“Aaron…Baby…” Her voice trailed off as she cupped his face, meeting his gaze and nodding along to his words. “Okay…Okay…Let’s just pause, right here, right now.” There was a lot to take in and she could see the struggles her partner was facing. “Family isn’t always bound by blood Aaron, of course she’s yours.” Seeing him crouch down helplessly, Gisele stood there and frowned. The last thing she wanted to do was treat him as a client of her own when it came to counselling and sure, her words may be biased—but she was trying to stay within reason for both sides. Bending down, she kept her hands to herself and kept her voice hushed as she continued the conversation. “You raised her, you’re the father figure presently in her life and truthfully, that’s what matters above everything else. Whether the results say otherwise, I want you to remember that.” She paused as an unfortunate thought crossed her mind, “…Is Nia taking Julianna away from you?…Is she finding a reason for you to stop visiting her?…”

...

Between the need to be in control and the urge to lash out, he felt torn apart in every possible way. Maybe he was getting ahead of himself, but when it came to his emotions, he hadn’t been able to get it under his thumb for a good while. It was his undoing, and it was exhausting being on this loop. Whenever he thought he had made some kind of progress, some trigger was always waiting around the corner to drag him back down, but this wasn’t just anything. He never saw it coming. In his mind, it hadn’t even been feasible. So much so, ‘paternity test’ had never been a part of his vernacular, let alone entertain it...until now. And, it kept his thoughts running a mile a minute. What if he was Julianna’s father? What if all this stir was for nothing? What if he wasn’t?...What if her biological father didn’t want her? He was stuck.

Were he in a better state of mind, he would see how Gisele was trying to get him grounded. How delicate she was being with him. He always appreciated that about her, but it was in these moments in time that he didn’t show it. He was distant. He was cold. Far from the receptive partner she knew, and yet, that wasn’t to say she didn’t make a difference. Because when push came to shove, he couldn’t find it in himself to leave her side when she was there, listening. And in the little fucked up world they had, she truly had been the one constant in his life so far, especially now when he felt as if his own daughter had been ripped right from his arms.

Hearing Gisele’s assurance that Jules was his, he threw himself back to sit on the ground with a heavy sigh, leaning against the brick wall. It was all weighing him down, but even if it was for a brief moment, there was some semblance of solace in hearing someone else attest to what he’d been convincing himself of. It wasn’t even something he thought he’d need convincing of in the first place since he knew family wasn’t bound by blood. All it took was one look at Oliver and Eli’s family. He never saw Riley as anyone but his niece, but this was different. Because he was made to believe otherwise, his intrusive thoughts were all-consuming. How could they not after having the wool pulled over his eyes? He felt like such a fool in more ways than one.

“I mean, I love her...you know.” was all he could manage to croak after the dancer had made it point to remind of what had been getting lost in the mud. It wasn’t as if she needed to be convinced of it, but he had to say it out loud for his own sake. “...This is bullshit,” he breathed out in frustration as he went to rub the side of his face, trying to find the words to explain it all when the questions kept on coming. “I, uh, I booked it,” he mumbled, trying to focus on the words coming out of his mouth by closing his eyes instead of everything else around him. It was all getting to be too much, even in darkness. “I didn’t ask,” there was a numbness to his voice “but...no, I don’t think she is.” If he turned out not to be Jules’ biological father, his fear was more that he’d lose custody because her real dad want in on that. “...We weren’t together when Julianna was...made. We fucked up one night, and...fuck, I don’t know. I’m so...stupid.” He cursed at himself for being naive to think she wasn’t sleeping around then. He was. He just took her at face value because they were best friends once upon a time. He trusted her, and here he was still trying to save Nia some face. “...My guess?...She was playing it safe.” No Names had been growing at the time, and he had been finding his footing. “No clue who the other cat could be, but...” that came with another set of worries, knowing their town was filled to the brim with gang members. “I can’t lose her,” he cried, almost as if he pleading God himself. “I can’t.”

+

Gisele maintained her composure after hearing Aaron’s response. Internally she was conflicted with the concept of helplessness, especially on her end. She wanted to support him as a partner should, but the defeat in his tone showed the level of seriousness for the situation. Her curiosity got the best of her as the inquiry of what’s happening was on the tip of her tongue. However, she knew better than to pry, especially when she needed to have patience with Aaron and his internal struggles. “I…” While her voice trailed off, Gigi couldn’t help but falter her expression as she didn’t know what to say. Would an apology suffice? What would she be sorry for? She opted to remain silent and just be there with him, in the moment. Sometimes things were better left unsaid and her company may just be enough for him. Therefore, she was betting on the acceptance of her touch as she still kept her hand out for him.

Seeing Aaron go through the motions and eventually intertwining his fingers with hers, she smiled softly at the sign of affection and shook her head. “I was worried, but I didn’t see it as neglect. I just didn’t hear a word from you, you know? The least you could have done was given me some sort of sign…” It would have eased her anxiety that’s for sure, but right now she was focusing on the present and a weight of worries were finally lifted off of her. “It’s alright love…” She mimicked his movements, by gently grazing her thumb over his hand for reassurance while listened attentively and monitoring his movements. As soon as he dropped the news, Gigi’s green hues widened in shock as she immediately moved in closer towards him. “W-What?” 

Reaching out to cup his face, the dancer lifted it up to meet his gaze, “Aaron, is it confirmed? Did you and Nia get into a bad fight!?…Maybe she just said it out of spite…” Julianna was his lifeline, his purpose and if anything, his anchor to keep going and being on the ‘right’ path. To hear that she may not be his child was not only heart shattering, but a loss on his part as he spent all his time and efforts into raising her thinking this was a product of his own blood and soul—his pride and joy. “Does that mean…” She immediately stopped as she got lost in her thoughts. Did Nia cheat on him? Or used him for a cover up this whole time? Why would she do this to him? More importantly, why would she make her child’s life a living lie? “—Look, there’s the option of DNA tests. Did you take one already? If not, we can get to the bottom of it…” Pressing her lips into a thin line, Gisele dropped her hands to her sides and frown, “…If the results say otherwise, what does that mean for Julianna?…What does that mean for you?”

...

Aaron had been trying to keep it together. To get through this. To not shut down while doing so. Flicking the ash off of his cigarette in one hand, he kept brushing his thumb along her skin in the other like a nervous tic. He heard her words, but he wasn’t really listening. Neglect was how he saw it. At least it was how he was used to people describing it as, and it scared him to think he was falling down the rabbit hole again. He didn’t want to lose Gisele. He didn’t want to scare her. He didn’t want any of this for her, and the guilt of leaving her in the dark this whole time was eating away at him on top of everything else. How did he not think of her? “I’m sorry...” he repeated, much softer this time. Maybe a part of him was embarrassed. The worst part was he couldn’t promise her he wouldn’t do it again, and honestly, he was expecting her to pull her hand back right then and there. Maybe even distance herself. It’s what Nia did, but when she didn’t, he felt so undeserving of it. Not that her screaming at him would’ve made him feel any better about it either, but he would’ve at least known how to react. Or rather, his instinct of pushing others away would’ve kicked in, but he didn’t know how to reaction now. Just another thing to add to the turmoil in him. “...It’s not. It’s not alright...” He wasn’t alright, and he was scared.

And then came her reaction...

He couldn’t look at her despite her attempt.

His breathing hitched.

He felt nauseated.

He couldn’t find it in himself to repeat it. All he latched onto the dim red glow on his burning cigarette, even as it neared the bud. Physically, he was there. He was still standing. He could hear Gisele’s questions, but he didn’t feel there. He felt distant and out of place. It all felt surreal and disconnected. It was the first time he even acknowledged, verbally, that Julianna might not be his to someone. He hadn’t even told his family about it, and it didn’t make him feel any better. There wasn’t even a hint of relief. If anything, he felt more submerged than before as the questions kept coming. Questions that had been haunting him the second the paternity issue came up, so he really couldn’t blame the dancer for asking. There was a silence that lingered from him, even after Gisele came to the point to ask him the big question. What does that mean for Julianna? Even in his doubt, it was this question that ate him up the most despite how much it hurt him.

+

The feeling of worry and unsettlement overwhelmed Gisele for the past couple of days. She understood that Aaron did have his days where he wanted to be by himself to sort things out. She respected his space and knew that when things go bad, sometimes it was best to be alone. However, she didn’t expect him to go full on MIA on her with unread messages, nor confirmation of when he’d be available. Aaron ghosted her for the most part, but she couldn’t understand why.

Was he second guessing everything? Did she do something wrong? There was no way her family knew about him? Her thoughts were difficult to swallow as she thought the worst of things, especially with how stressful their relationship could be. Who would have thought their happiness would be short lived? Certainly not her. Gigi truly believed things were looking up and so her other assumption was that something may have happened and he was not planning on dragging her along. It’s not that she blamed him though, especially since she would have done the same. 

Committed to her relationship, Gisele continued her daily check ins at No Names to see if he’d actually show up. Lo and behold, he was there and although her initial reaction was to feel relieved cause he was in one piece, a huge wave of concern washed over her as she noticed his demeanour. Her heart ached to see him like this as she approached him carefully. A few feet away, she stood there in silence and simply stared for a few moments before finally breaking it and speaking out. “Babe…” she softly called out. There was no use in asking if he was okay when he clearly wasn’t. Instead, Gisele held her hand out and held a hopeful expression, wondering if he was going to let her in on what’s going on. “…I’ve been trying to reach you. Do you want to talk about it? Maybe I can help?” 

...

Being so caught up in his own head, Gisele’s gentle call to him didn’t really register until a few beats later, and he didn’t even flinch when it did. In fact, he made no sudden moves to hide his vice because he was past the guilt. It was so minuscule compared to the anger and heartache that consumed him. “Mm,” was all he could muster up, not turning to look at her. Too preoccupied with inhaling the nicotine he’d deprived himself of since Julianna’s arrival, not even a simple ‘what’ was uttered. He wasn’t proud of it. Julianna deserved better from him even if she wasn’t his blood, but he felt so helpless. Physically, emotionally, and mentally he was in limbo, trying to figure out how to approach what was ahead if the nightmare wasn’t going to end there, so no, he didn’t want to talk about it. He didn’t know how without bursting into tears, and who knows? This upset could’ve all been for nothing if Jules was biologically his. Pulling the cigarette from his lips, he took a moment to let it sit with him. Everything. “...No, you can’t,” he finally answered, but there was no roughness to his voice. It came out more defeated than anything in a sigh. “Not this time, baby...”

He didn’t want to be here.

He didn’t think he’d be here again.

And yet...

It was the only thing he could do to keep him from absolutely losing it. He’d been missing in action the past few days at No Names. He hadn’t been home. He took his vacation days early, yet it was anything but. After getting into a heated argument with Nia, the words she threw at him were words of war.

‘You’re not her father, anyways!’

It was so firmly stated in the creole language she only ever used when she had enough in their fights, and it pierced right through him. He didn’t know what else to do but bolt out the door. The doubt only poisoned his mind and utterly consumed him there on. Julianna was the only reason he was able to get a taste of what happiness was again. She was his light. His purpose. He was so confused now. It was so fucked. He didn’t know what to do with himself. Family wasn’t always about blood. He knew that, but he was lied to. He was betrayed. Julianna had a right to know if he was her father, and if he wasn’t, she had a right to know who was. She was so smart, kind, and funny. He felt lucky and proud to have had her as his. Anyone would be, but she was his. —Wasn’t she? No, she had to be...What if she wasn’t?

It was an endless cycle of this.

+

Gisele braced herself since there was a potential that she may have ruined everything that she and Aaron had built up to now. This was a risk that they both needed to be in agreement with, especially with the parties involved. It’s not like the cartel had a welcoming party for civilians. You were either in or out and it was for life. Getting in was easy, getting out was a slim chance to none. Therefore, Gisele knew that bringing Aaron into her life for the long run was going to be a challenge that she needed to take full responsibility on. She would need to worry about that later, especially when it was going to be on his terms. 

Her heart was beating uncontrollably as she stood there, defenceless and vulnerable. When he questioned what was said, Gisele blushed and started rambling as she began to disregard her statement. “N-Nevermind…I uh…S-sorry…” The confidence she had earlier diminished as she felt like she may have overdid her confession. However, as soon as Aaron reached out for her and pulled her forward, Gisele hesitantly looked up and closed her eyes as he leaned against her. Hearing him speak his native tongue, the dancer smiled softly and hummed, finding peace in the gesture and affection. Suddenly, she was met with Aaron’s confession which caused her to open her eyes wide and stare in shock. “Wait really?” Her tone went up an octave hire as she couldn’t believe what was heard. Flustered, the dancer’s gaze softened as he continued to speak about how he felt. 

Listening attentively, she didn’t miss word for word what was said. It wasn’t until he pulled out a rose figurine that Gigi’s green hues widened in shock as she wasn’t expecting anything of the sort. “Aaron…” she whispered in disbelief. “It’s beautiful…” She carefully accepted it and blinked away her tears, while her lips quivered at how much of her feelings for Aaron began to overwhelm her. With each day that passes by, her love grows fonder. When he caught her eyelash, the dancer broke out into fits of giggles and immediately closed her eyes to make a wish. It was evident as to what she wanted, but with her heart in the right place and the fact that she was risking it all, it didn’t matter to her whether it was obvious or not. 

Blowing away her eye lash, she opened her eyes and smiled adoringly at Aaron. “How poetic…” she teased as she leaned up for a chaste kiss. Looking from the rose and back at him, she took the time to process his words and nodded in agreement. “I d-don’t even know what to say to that…I’m practically speechless at this point.” A warm hearted laugh escaped her lips as she glanced up at him and continued, “You know, I could say the same thing about yourself…It’s a given we’ve been through it, fighting our own battles while moving forward. The fact that we find solace in each other…that’s a beautiful thing that we have and that I’ll cherish in the long run.” In the next few moments, she kissed his forehead, nose, cheek and eventually his lips as she issued out a series of ‘I love yous’ before wrapping her arms around him for a bear hug. “I guess our anniversary is a happy one after all…” she mused. “Mmm, dance with me?” She carefully placed the gift in her purse before pulling out her phone and scrolling through her Spotify playlist for a slow song. “You probably improved mister, so don’t you try making excuses.” 

...

The Stone could practically see all emotions that washed over her in such a short span of time. All the dread. All the embarrassment and confusion. His heart ached for her, feeling those emotions very present within him as well, but they weren’t as strong as the need to ease her mind at that point in time. There really was no denying how hard he fell, so when he did manage to lead her back to him - to keep her from shutting down on him for a simple misunderstanding - he was ready to keep her there. “I do,” he surrendered in a murmur for her ears only as if they weren’t already the only two there. “Very much - I love you, Gisele.” He had tried finding answers. It’s what kept him from telling her in the first place. He wanted to have a semblance of what came ahead for them first, but there was something so human, primal even, about not knowing. So he didn’t have all the answers. He didn’t even have one, but it felt good to let go of his fears again like he once had when he first held Julianna at the hospital the day she was born. It felt good to not be so much in his head to hold himself back from experiencing what he truly wanted. So much so, he couldn’t believe he didn’t tell her he loved her sooner. He would’ve never forgiven himself if something would’ve happened to her before she knew.

It was a simple gift. Albeit, a bit on the pricier side, but money was never a factor to consider when it came to the dancer. The second he laid eyes on the glass rose while he was supposed to be working, he knew she’d like it, and in the end, it was well worth the buy when he saw the look on her face. While he had planned to tell her the words he did, he never would’ve predicted it to turn into some sort of memento of their secret confession for one another. And he couldn’t have wanted it to be anything better. Returning the tender peck to her lips, a smile arose at her tease, and in a fashion where he might as well have been wagging his finger at her, he returned the favor with one more kiss and a —“Live it up, baby.” Enjoying their closeness, his hands reached up to hold her face, unable to take his eyes off her now. “You could say that makes us even,” his laugh laced with hers, finding it ironic since he usually was the one to get her stumped, but after what she pulled on him, he had to hand it to her. And she continued to get him at a loss for words. It was beautiful what they had. For her to see him as someone who brought her comfort instead of the ‘ticking time bomb’ people saw him as, it meant more than she could understand for him to hear it - not only as her partner, but as a father of a toddler and a person. With a warm touch, he traced his thumb over her cheekbone to take in everything he loved about this woman. “Good...You deserve that.”

+

The way Aaron said his name made Gisele sick to her stomach. It felt wrong in ways where they shouldn’t even have this conversation. However, his question was what made her heart drop. “Camilo’s…” Her voice trailed off as she opted to tread lightly with her response, trying to figure out how to gently lay the news out to him. “To be honest, he has…Which is why I can easily fake it with him.” She then lightly nudged Aaron in order to get his attention and added, “If it’s any consolation, he’s not bad in comparison to the other men…I am respected.” It wasn’t one of the best things to hear, but she wanted to lessen his worries as much as possible. 

Knowing Aaron, the aftermath of this event would linger on his mind until she was no longer on Camilo’s radar. ‘I will be…’ His answer definitely put things into perspective, especially when she really wanted to ask: ‘when?’. She didn’t want him to feel like this, but at the same time she couldn’t demand an impossible answer. After learning about Nia’s schedule, Gigi nodded in understanding and tried to think of what would work best for them. However, it wasn’t until Aaron took the lead and suggested an idea that she was completely on board for. “Deal. I stay late at The Studio on Fridays so it works out.” She paused and thought of what lessons she could give him, “Mmm, I like that…You’re giving me ideas.” Gisele appreciated his attempt at making things light between them, but she knew this would be temporary. They needed to clear the air. 

When they were alone, she stood there completely defeated and felt helpless as she wanted to curl up in a ball. “Aaron, I just…It’s days like this where I’m t-tired.” Hearing her voice crack, she stopped and chose to stand there in silence, hearing him out and trying to regain her composure. She refused to cry on their anniversary, but she was finding it difficult to hold it all in. “It’s just not fair…” she whispered out while looking away. However, it wasn’t until he reassured her that he was still there for her that Gisele’s expression softened as she immediately met his gaze. “I love you.” she blurted out. So much for not crying as she felt tears pricking her eyes, she couldn’t hold back any longer—not after all this. “You have no idea how much I love you.” 

It was scary, laying her heart on the line for him, but Aaron was worth it and she’d do anything to make it work at this point. Clearing her throat, she let out a shaky laugh and shook her head, “Dios mío, that was so fucking sappy no?” She paused and recollected herself as she wanted to let Aaron know where she was coming from. “I know we’ve been avoiding the ‘L’ word for some time and for good reasons, but after tonight I couldn’t hold it back any longer. I love you, despite our circumstances and I won’t lie to you, I am scared…I don’t care what happens to me at this rate, but you…Y-You…” Clenching her jaw, she took a deep breath as she wanted to get her point across without having to ruin her makeup. “You are one of the best things that has ever happened to me and I am so scared of losing you…Regardless of that fact, I want this and I will be selfish and do everything I can to keep this going. I also understand if you aren’t ready to say it back or have such deep sentiments, it’s seriously a lot. But you deserve to know my true feelings and you deserve this love.” 

...

Even if he’d lose sleep over it, Aaron never truly pressed Gisele for answers when it came to specifics. She grew up in that environment since before she could form her own thoughts. She knew how to deal with them more than he could possibly understand, but seeing the men firsthand, actually seeing them, everything she built and all her potential that came with it felt at risk at that very moment. So did their future. He fully now understood that tired look in her eye whenever they took shelter at her place. There were more questions he thought to ask. So much more he wanted to say. It was the side of him that never stopped turning after leaving the war. Always plotting, always scouting information, but he wasn’t in the Middle East anymore. As much as it felt like it, he wasn’t at war. This wasn’t a movie. There wasn’t such a thing as a one-man army, and Gisele wasn’t an informant. He had to be okay with knowing the man who was going to take her out respected her. It’s all he could hope for. “Okay,” he breathed, meeting her eyes, sounding as if he was giving permission when he really had no say, but it was a little more complicated than that. "Okay...” he echoed to let her know he wasn’t going to make it harder. He was dropping it.

Only a couple walls stood between them and the festivities at the community center now. The music, while distant, could still be heard from where they stood, and he couldn’t have felt more bare. It made him think of the time she opened up about her family business to him. How fragile she looked then was how she resembled now, and he didn’t have the answers to change it. He could see her battling with herself. It wasn’t fair, but all he could do was ease her worries. He’d once told her she wasn’t alone, so he was going to honor that in the same way he cherished her. And though it got her to look at him, the next three words that poured out of her hit him like a train.

I love you.

“...w-what?”

He knew too. He felt it with how he stood by him, even when it wasn’t easy to, but to hear it, it was overwhelming with all the heightened emotions from earlier and now stirring up together all at once. Everything felt as if it was happening to him instead of him doing anything to make things happen, and he took a step back, unable to bring himself to look at her. She was putting her all into this for him, and as much as he was ready to say it, he wasn’t prepared to hear it. It’d been so long since he’d heard those words bear the warmth and care that it had from someone that wasn’t his blood. Years. And as she kept weaving through her thoughts, he held back his own tears when she talked about the lengths she’d go for him. He didn’t want to ask. Afraid of the answer. Afraid she’d say something she’d regret. How could she not care about what will happen to her when it’s all that’s been consuming his mind? But, in the end, who was he to judge? He was her weakness as was she his. They were also each other’s strength, but he wasn’t a fool. He could easily be used as leverage against her. It all felt so selfish when he had a daughter to think about. It wasn’t fair to Julianna if things got out, but if that ever happened, he knew he’d risk his life to keep her out of the line of fire. He was just tired of being scared and holding back.

She deserved to know she was loved.

He was a better man for it...

+

Gisele could feel the tension and she couldn’t blame Aaron. She had put him in a predicament that was out of his control and for the most part, she found it unfair. It was at that moment that the dancer knew she should have stayed home or worked. There were other women in Olympus who could have been preferable candidates. She essentially had control of the situation, but it slipped out of her hands the moment she participated in said events. Now that the two were at the bar, being as civil as possible and she was honestly finding it difficult to work with. 

Meeting Aaron’s gaze, there was an ache in her heart after learning how protective he was of her. She wanted to hold him and say that this was not her first rodeo, but it wasn’t that simple—not when they’re in a relationship she considered serious. Therefore, she had to understand where he was coming from and she could see him trying his best to adapt to the situation. “I know…” she softly replied. “He does, but if I’m being honest—he has his approval. Although that doesn’t mean he’d let him off the hook that easily. He’d be a fool if he crossed my father.” 

A frown settled onto her lips as she observed Aaron and his behaviour, his body language said it all and it did concern Gisele. “We should go somewhere private.” she suggested as she glanced around. Hearing how his schedule might have been, she shook her head and chose to refute his methods of making it easier for her since she was completely set on accommodating him. “No you’re not.” she retorted back in a low tone. “I’m assuming Jules will be staying the night and going to spend time with you on Saturday as well? If so, we can move it to next week…” Now she was feeling antsy and as she tapped her fingers on the bar counter. Gigi looked around to see if everyone from her end no longer had their attention on her. With the coast cleared, she gently took Aaron’s hand and led him out as she preferred to speak with him in a private area, far away from everyone else. 

“I’m sorry.” she blurted out randomly. “I’m sorry that you had to endure all that on your own. I’m sorry that you feel…helpless. I’m sorry that I’m making this hard on the both of us, especially today out of all days.” Gisele inhaled a deep breath and shook her head in disappointment, “I should have found other alternatives to avoid all this and now I’m completely fucked by having to go on that date with Camilo and that isn’t fair to you.” Pulling out her phone, she looked at the time and sighed heavily, “Since the auction is over and done with…I can just go home. I don’t feel like staying anymore.” 

It came as no surprise to be told her father was behind the fiasco, setting all the circumstances that unfolded in motion. Of course he’d approve of Camilo. Aaron didn’t need his military experience to piece that together. The man was clearly in a high position to join her father in this festivity, and the Stone saw they interacted. Why wouldn’t her father approve? However, there had to be standards. Or so, he hoped. If Sebastian was the type of father who sent his people to hunt his daughter to then pin her down in Louisiana and the type of man who forced his expectations of power onto his own blood against their wishes, Aaron didn’t want to know what else he could be capable of enforcing on her. And yet, he also kept in mind what Gisele told him about her father. About him not trying to piss her off. All in all, he needed to hear the reaffirmation. That peace of mind. He didn’t know how desperate the kingpin was in getting his way with only time passing by, after all. “Good. —Camilo,” he let the name roll off his tongue in order to store it in his mind while he tried recalling if she’d ever mentioned him before. Idly fidgeted with the shot glass, he asked, “He’s been good to you?”

The frown paired with the suggestion of going somewhere private only added to his unsettlement. He didn’t like putting her through this. Have her worrying about him, but it seemed for once he didn’t have anything witty to say. Even if he had, she knew him too well. No you’re not. Her words pierced through him, and ready he was to double down. It was on the tip of his tongue. The words ‘I am’ about charge straight at her out of old habits, but he caught it. For once, he stopped himself, clenching his jaw, and told her in a mumble, “...I will be...” He had to think of it that way, even if they always had been a looming presence in their relationship. It just felt so up close and personal now. “No, uh....the plan is Nia’ll stop by to pick her up after the meeting’s over. My guess is around 9 or 8 at night. - She’s going to use most of the day to prepare. Nothing more to it." He then took a pause, wondering about whether or not he should ask again about her schedule. Something he could have control of, but something told him not to since he knew he’d probably be met with more resistance. And so, instead, he leaned a little closer to her, mustering up a half a smile, and remarked, “I'd really like some dance lessons after that.” Sure, it was cheeky, but it was the last shred of humor he had left in him to lighten things up.

Clearly, it didn’t work. Her hand was in his and all he could think to do was be on the lookout for any wandering eyes in the crowd. Back in their own little corner, they went - slipping through the cracks and going off into the night. Finally. Away they were from prying eyes. He dropped his act. Still, his guard was up. It was hard for it to come down after all of that even after she started pouring out to him. No matter how much he wanted to pull her in and quiet down her thoughts with soft kisses, he stood at attention like a good soldier, taking in every word. Trying to understand why she was apologizing to him. All the while, tucked away in a pocket inside his double breasted blazer was a little anniversary present for her. Taking in a deep breath, he tried to think of how to tell her all that he wanted to say. All that she needed to hear. The night was a lot for the both of them, so...he started there. “Gisele, please, and I mean it when I say - please, don’t apologize. I’m not...going to say this was bound to happen, but—Let’s leave it at, we’ve been having a lucky streak, you know?” He realized how this was starting to sound. It didn’t help that his voice sounded so defeated, so before she thought of anything different, he got to his point, “I don’t want you to set a precedent of apologizing every time something like this happens. You did good today...You make one hell of a starlet. I almost bought it.” If he didn’t know any better, he would've believed she was a single woman. “Just don’t apologize for doing what you need to do. Shit happens. I don’t have to like it...I don’t. I don’t like it, but...I’m still here, Ramirez.”